AAK PUUL: ART FROM THE WIK & KUGU REGION
WIK AND KUGU ART CENTRE
15 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER 2022
Images: Courtesy of Wik and Kugu Art Centre.
“Aak Puul“ refers to one's Tribal Country or Homeland. It’s a term that specifically relates to a person’s father's Country, and his father’s before him. Aurukun’s visual art is intrinsically tied to Aak Puul which finds its expression in an ancient performative cultural tradition of song & dance.
“Before time, our old people carved all their totems including crocodile, echidna and kangaroo. Each carving has a relationship to a Story Place called Awa’. There are plenty of Awa’ across the Wik & Kugu Lands. These places are forbidden to the uninitiated and are considered Ngench Thayan (Sacred Place). The men’s and women’s art forms from Aurukun are all linked to these places. When we carve our totems, we are sharing our stories from these important places”.
– Keith Wikmunea – Senior Wik-Alkan Artist
The people living in Aurukun belong to five culturally separate clan groups. Wik-Mungkan is the first language spoken in the community and the lingua franca of the region. English is the second language of Aurukun. The five Clan groups all have their own unique histories and understanding of the Land as well as interlinked connections with other Clans.
Aak Puul showcases paintings and sculpture from artists Bruce Bell, Bevan Namponan, David Marpoondin, Devena Wikmunea, Janet Koongotema, Keith Wikmunea, Leigh Namponan, Leo Namponan, Lex Namponan and Roderick Yunkaporta of Wik and Kugu Arts Centre.
Artists: Bruce Bell, Bevan Namponan, David Marpoondin, Devena Wikmunea, Janet Koongotema, Keith Wikmunea, Leigh Namponan, Leo Namponan, Lex Namponan and Roderick Yunkaporta.
Image: Installation of Aak Puul: Art From the Wik and Kugu Region, 2022.
Image: Installation of Aak Puul: Art From the Wik and Kugu Region, 2022.
Image: Installation of Aak Puul: Art From the Wik and Kugu Region, 2022.
Image: Installation of Aak Puul: Art From the Wik and Kugu Region, 2022.
